Low pressure product container dispensing valve

ABSTRACT

An annular valve body member has a chamber therein and is coupled to the cover of a product container. A solid valve stem moves longitudinally within the chamber and is urged out of the chamber. The upper portion of the stem is fitted to a coupleraspirator which is in turn coupled to a propellant. A flexible annular gasket is positioned between the valve body member and the product container cover. The inner periphery of the gasket obturates a flow path which extends from the chamber, around the valve stem and into the coupler-aspirator.

limited States Patent 1 Marand LOW PRESSURE PRODUCT CONTAINER DlISPENSlNG VALVE [75] Inventor:

[73] Assignee: Ciba-Geigy Corporation,

Ardsley, NY.

22 Filed: Dec. 3, 1970 21 Appl. 190.; 94,695

Jean Marand, Saint-Benoit, France [56] v 1 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,669,316 6/1972 Corsette ZZZ/402.24 3,160,182 12/1964 O'Donnell ZZZ/ 402.24 X

[ June 26, 1973 7/1970 Gronemeyer 222/402.24 X 10/1971 Marraffino ZZZ/402.24

[57] ABSTRACT An annular valve body member has a chamber therein and is coupled to the cover of a product container. A

solid valve stem moves longitudinally within the chamber and is urged out of the chamber. The upper portion of the stem is fitted to a coupler-aspirator which is in turn coupled to a propellant. A flexible annular gasket is positioned between the valve body member and the product container cover. The inner periphery of the gasket obturates a flow path which extends from the chamber, around the valve stem and into the coupleraspirator.

12 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures M wi l PAIENTEDJIIIIZS I973 SHEEF20F4 FIG. 5

INVENTOR JEAN MARAND wwafid gm ATTORNEYS PATENTED JIIN 26 I915 SHEEIIHFQ urrllllllllll FIG.7

1N VENTOR J EAN MARAN D PAIENIEDaunza 1m INVENTOR JEAN MARAND ATTORNEYS FIGI] LOW PRESSURE PRODUCT CONTAINER DISPENSING VALVE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a low pressure product container dispensing valve. More particularly, the present invention relates to such a valve for use in a dispensing system of the type wherein the product to be dispensed is housed in a product container separate from the propellant.

-In copending application Ser. No. 43,417, filed June 4, 1970, there is disclosed a dispensing system of the type wherein a product is housed in a product container separate from the propellant. The product container has a valve therein which is coupled to a coupleraspirator. The coupler-aspirator is also coupled to the stem of the valve of apropellant cartridge which is positionedabove the coupler-aspirator and the product container. When the bottom propellant cartridge is depressed, both the valve thereof and the product container valve are opened and the product is aspirated through the coupler-aspirator by the propellant.

OBJECTS AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With this discussion in mind, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide'a low pressure valve for use in a nonpressurized product dispensing system of the type described in said copending application Ser. No. 43,417.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a low pressure valve either with or without an integral air return.

It is even a further object of the present invention to provide such a low pressure valve in combination with either a plastic or a metal product container cover.

These objects are achieved in accordance with the present invention by the provision of a low pressure valve comprising. a valve body member which is suitably attached to the cover of a product container. The valve body member has a central chamber therein. A low pressure valve stem is positioned for longitudinal movement within the central chamber. A depending flange of the coupler-aspirator of the dispensing system is in friction engagement with the outer periphery of the low pressure valve stem. Longitudinal channels are provided along the inner surface of the coupleraspirator flange. The upper ends of these longitudinal channels open into a flow passage within the coupleraspirator. The lower ends of the longitudinal channels terminate in radial openings which communicate with the central chamber. A flexible annular gasket is held in place between the product container cover and the valve body member. The low pressure valve stem extends through the flexible annular gasket. Means are provided to urge the low pressure valve stem and the coupler-aspirator away from the valve body member in a manner such that the inner periphery of the flexible annular gasket obturates the radial openings to prevent communication therethrough into the central chamber. When the coupler-aspirator is depressed, the low pressure valve stem is moved downwardly. This causes the flexible annular gasket to be deformed and accordingly opens communication from the central chamber through the radial openings and into the longitudinal chambers and the flow passage.

Other objects and features of the invention will be made clear by the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

'FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an eighth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a dispensing system of the type with which the valve of the present invention is particularly adapted for use will be described.

A product container ll contains a suitable product to be dispensed. The product may be housed in the container 1 itself, or may be housed in a suitable product sac within the countainer 1. A product container valve 2 extends through the cover 3 of the product container 1. The coupler-aspirator 4 is coupled to product container valve 2'such that a first flow passage 5 of the coupler-aspirator communicates with the valve 2. Coupleraspirator 4 is also coupled to the stem 7 of the valve 8 of a propellant cartridge 9. Stem 7 communicates with a second flow passage 6 of the coupler-aspirator. Flow passages 5 and 6 meet at a Venturi nozzle insert 10.

A guide 11 is adapted to fit over product container 1 by any suitable means such as a snap fit. Guide 11 provides lateral support for propellant cartridge 9. Coupler-aspirator 4 extends to and sprays through an opening 12 in guide 11.

The operation of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 1 will now be described. The operator grasps the unit around guide 11 and depresses propellant cartridge 9 as generally shown byarrow 30. As propellant cartridge 9 is depressed, coupler-aspirator 4 is caused to move downwardly. Further depression causes both product container valve 2 and propellant cartridge valve 8 to be opened. Propellant thus flows through valve 8, flow passage 6 and into nozzle 10. The propellant thus aspirates the product through valve 2, flow passage 5 and into nozzle 10.

chamber 14 therein. An outer upwardly extending annular flange 15 of valve body member 13 is attached to an annular depending flange 16 of product container cover 3. Valve body member 13 is made of plastic or other similar material. In this embodiment of the present invention, product container cover 3 is made of a similar material. Accordingly, valve body member 13 and product container cover 3 may be joined by suitable means such as sonic welding.

Mounted for longitudinal movement within central chamber 14 is a solid low pressure valve stem 17 having a cylindrical section 17a, a flared surface 17b and a flange section 170. A downwardly depending flange 18 of coupler-aspirator 4 is adapted for friction engagement about the outer periphery of cylindrical section 1711. The bottom edge of flange 18 abuts flared surface 17b. On the inner peripheral surface of flange 18 are longitudinal channels 19. At their upper ends, longitudinal channels communicate with flow passage 5 of the coupler-aspirator 4. At their lower ends, longitudinal channels 19 terminate in radial openings 20, which communicate with central chamber 14 of valve body member 13. Rigidly positioned between valve body member 13 and product container cover 3 is a flexible annular gasket 21. The inner periphery of flexible annular gasket 21 obturates radial openings 20 and thus serves as a low pressure obturator. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the outer periphery of flexible annular gasket 21 is supported by gasket supporting surface 22 which is part of flange 16 of product container cover 3. Low pressure valve stem 17 and coupler-aspirator 4 are urged upwardly as shown in the figures by a spring 23 positioned within valve body member 13 and flange section 17c.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the product is housed solely in the product container. Accordingly, a dip tube 24 is coupled to valve body member 13 to provide communication of the product into chamber 14. As shown in FIG. 3, when coupler-aspirator 4 is depressed, low pressure valve stem 17 is moved downwardly. This causes flexible annular gasket 21 to be distorted, thereby opening radial openings 20. The interior of valve body member 13 has slots 25 provided therein to assure passage of product from dip tube 24 through central chamber 14 and radial openings 20' into longitudinal channels 19 and flow passage 5.

As product is dispensed from the product container, it becomes necessary to equalize the pressure therein. This is accomplished in accordance with this embodiment of the present invention by the provision of an integral air return passage. Flange 16 of product container cover 3 has slots 26 therein. As shown in FIG. 3, when the valve is opened, access is provided for air through central opening 27 of product container cover 3 through slots 26 and thus into the interior of the product container. This assures that as product is dispensed from the product container, the pressure will be equalized. As shown in FIG. 2, when the valve is not open, flexible annular gasket 21 seals against surface 28 of product container cover 3. This prevents the product from leaking out of the product container if it should be inverted or placed on its side.

With reference now to FIG. 4 of the drawings, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is similar in all respects to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, with the exception that upwardly extending flange 115 of the valve body member 113 provides the gasket supporting surface 122 for the outer periphery of the flexible annular gasket 121.

With reference now to FIG. 5 of the drawings, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is also very similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3. However, valve body member 213 has a flange portion 215 which is adapted to snap fit within a snap fit portion 216a of annular depending flange 216 of product container cover 203. It will thus be apparent that the scope of the present invention is meant to include a snap fit between the valve body member and the product container valve, in addition to a sonic weld connection.

In the embodiments of the invention discussed with regard to FIGS. 2-5, the product container cover has been plastic or similar material. However, it is to be understood that it is within the scope of the present invention to use the novel low pressure valve with a product container employing a metal cover. Therefore, with reference to FIG. 6 of the drawings, a fourth embodiment will be described. This embodiment is similar to the previously discussed embodiments. However, a metal product container cover 303 having an upstanding central flange 303a is provided. Valve body member 313 has an outwardly projecting annular flange portion 313a which engages a downwardly extending flange 330a of an annular retaining ring 330. Retaining ring 330 and valve body member 313 are held in place by a crimped portion 303b of product container cover 303. A second flexible annular gasket 331 is positioned between retaining ring 330 and product container cover 303 to provide a seal therebetween. Annular flange portion 313a of valve body member 313 and flange 330a of retaining ring 330 each have slots 313k and 330b, respectively, therein to provide an air return passage during dispensing. In all other respects, the embodiment of FIG. 6 is similar to the previously discussed embodiments.

With reference now to FIG. 7 of the drawings, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 6. However, valve body member 413 has an outwardly extending annular flange portion 413a which snap fits within an inwardly extending snap fit portion 4300 of downwardly extending flange 430a of retaining ring 430. In all other respects, the embodiment of FIG. 7 is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 6.

All of the previously discussed embodiments of the present invention have included the provision of an integral air return within the valve structure. This was necessitated due to the fact that the product to be dispensed was housed in the product container itself. However, it is to be understood that it is within the scope of the present invention to provide a low pressure product dispensing valve for use when the product is housed in a product sac within the product container. In such a case, the container itself may be provided with air return vents. Therefore, it would not be necessary to provide an air return integrally within the valve structure. Accordingly, with reference to FIG. 8, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Valve body member 513 has an outwardly extending annular flange portion 513a which is held in place on metal product container cover 503 by crimped portion 503b thereof. Flexible annular gasket 521 is tightly held in place between valve body member 513 and flange portion 503a or product container cover 503. A product sac adaptor portion 524 extends through valve body member 513 to provide communication of product within product sac 524a with central chamber 514. In other respects the embodiment of FIG. 8 is similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7.

It is furthermore to be understood that the scope of the present invention includes the provision of a low pressure product dispensing valve for use in a product container having a product sac, and also employing a product container cover of plastic or other similar material. Accordingly, with reference now to FIG. 9 of the drawings a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. This embodiment is similar in structure to the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3 in that a valve body member 613 is sonic welded to a product container cover 603. However no air return passage is provided in the valve structure as in the case if FIGS. 2 and 3. Also, as was the case of the embodiment of FIG. 8, a sac adapter portion 624 having a product sac 624a thereon extends through valve body member 613 to provide communication with central chamber 614. As also shown in FIG. 9, the outer periphery of flexible annular gasket 621 is supported on gasket supporting surface 622, which is a surface of annular depending flange 616 of product container cover 603.

With reference now to FIG. 10 of the drawings, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. This embodiment is similar in all respects to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, with the exception that the outer periphery of flexible annular gasket 721 is supported by gasket supporting surface 722 which is a surface of upwardly extending annular flange 715 of the valve body member 713.

With reference now to FIG. 11, of the drawings a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. This embodiment is similar to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. However, valve body member 813 has an outwardly extending annular flange 815 which is adapted to snap fit within snap fitting portion 816a of downwardly depending annular flange 816 of product container cover 803.

It is to be understood that all of the various elements of the valve of the present invention may be made of any convenient or desirable material such as plastic. These elements can easily be made by conventional molding techniques thus making possible the provision of such a valve at a low cost.

It is to be further understood that while all embodiments of the present invention having flexible sacs have been shown without air returns, such embodiments could include air returns. That is, integral air returns could be provided with embodiments employing product sacs as a safety feature in the event the sac were to rupture during use. i

Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, such description is intended to be illustrative only, and not restrictive, since many other details of the construction of the invention may be altered or modified without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.

What is claimed is:

I. A low pressure product dispensing valve for use in a low pressure product container having a cover in a dispensing system of the type wherein the product is housed in the product container separate from the propellant and aspirated from the product container through a coupleraspirator by the propellant, said valve comprising an annular valve body member having a central chamber therein; means for coupling said valve body member directly to said product container cover, said coupling means comprising an annular flange on said valve body member engaging an integral annular depending flange on said product container cover, said valve body member and said product container cover being composed of similar plastic material; a solid valve stem separate from said valve body member and positioned for longitudinal movement within said chamber, said valve stem having an upper section coupled to said coupler-aspirator, flow path means providing communication from said chamber around said valve stem into said coupler-aspirator, said flow path means comprising a flow passage within said coupleraspirator and longitudinal channels on the inner periphery of said coupler-aspirator communicating at their upper ends with said flow passage, said channels terminating at their lower ends in radial openings between said coupler'aspirator and said valve stem; a flexible annular gasket having an inner periphery and an outer periphery, said gasket being positioned against said valve body member and said cover, said inner periphery of said gasket obturating said radial openings; and means for urging said valve stem out of said chamber into a position wherein said inner periphery of said gasket blocks said radial openings.

2. A valve as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a dip tube extending through said valve body member to provide communication from the interior of said product container into said chamber, said annular depending flange having slots therein to provide an air return through said valve when said valve stem is depressed.

3. A valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engaging surfaces between said annular flange and said annular depending flange are sonic welded.

4. A valve as claimed in claim 3, wherein said outer periphery of said gasket is supported on the inner peripheral surface of said annular depending flange of said product container cover.

5. A valve as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a dip tube extending through said valve body member to provide communication from the interior of said product container into said chamber, said annular depending flange having slots therein to provide an air return through said valve when said valve stem is depressed.

6. A valve as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a sac adaptor portionhaving a product sac thereon extending through said valve body member to provide communication from the interior of said product sac into said chamber.

7. A valve as claimed in claim 3, wherein said outer periphery of said gasket is supported on the inner peripheral surface of said annular flange of said valve body member.

8. A valve as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a dip tube extending through said valve body member to provide communication from 'the interior of said product container into said chamber, said annular depending flange having slots therein to provide an air return through said valve when said valve stem is depressed.

her to provide communication from the interior of said product container into said chamber, said annular depending flange having slots therein to provide an air return through said valve when said valve stem is depressed.

12. A valve as claimed in claim 10, further comprising a sac adaptor portion having a product sac thereon extending through said valve body member to provide communication from the interior of product sac into said chamber. 

1. A low pressure product dispensing valve for use in a low pressure product container having a cover in a dispensing system of the type wherein the product is housed in the product container separate from the propellant and aspirated from the product container through a coupler-aspirator by the propellant, said valve comprising an annular valve body member having a central chamber therein; means for coupling said valve body member directly to said product container cover, said coupling means comprising an annular flange on said valve body member engaging an integral annular depending flange on said product container cover, said valve body member and said product container cover being composed of similar plastic material; a solid valve stem separate from said valve body member and positioned for longitudinal movement within said chamber, said valve stem having an upper section coupled to said coupleraspirator, flow path means providing communication from said chamber around said valve stem into said coupler-aspirator, said flow path means comprising a flow passage within said coupleraspirator and longitudinal channels on the inner periphery of said coupler-aspirator communicating at their upper ends with said flow passage, said channels terminating at their lower ends in radial openings between said coupler-aspirator and said valve stem; a flexible annular gasket having an inner periphery and an outer periphery, said gasket being positioned against said valve body member and said cover, said inner periphery of said gasket obturating said radial openings; and means for urging said valve stem out of said chamber into a position wherein said inner periphery of said gasket blocks said radial openings.
 2. A valve as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a dip tube extending through said valve body member to provide communication from the interior of said product container into said chamber, said annular depending flange having slots therein to provide an air return through said valve when said valve stem is depressed.
 3. A valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engaging surfaces between Said annular flange and said annular depending flange are sonic welded.
 4. A valve as claimed in claim 3, wherein said outer periphery of said gasket is supported on the inner peripheral surface of said annular depending flange of said product container cover.
 5. A valve as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a dip tube extending through said valve body member to provide communication from the interior of said product container into said chamber, said annular depending flange having slots therein to provide an air return through said valve when said valve stem is depressed.
 6. A valve as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a sac adaptor portion having a product sac thereon extending through said valve body member to provide communication from the interior of said product sac into said chamber.
 7. A valve as claimed in claim 3, wherein said outer periphery of said gasket is supported on the inner peripheral surface of said annular flange of said valve body member.
 8. A valve as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a dip tube extending through said valve body member to provide communication from the interior of said product container into said chamber, said annular depending flange having slots therein to provide an air return through said valve when said valve stem is depressed.
 9. A valve as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a sac adaptor portion having a product sac thereon extending through said valve body member to provide communication from the interior of said product sac into said chamber.
 10. A valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein said annular depending flange of said product container cover has an inwardly extending snap fit portion snap fitted over said annular flange of said valve body member.
 11. A valve as claimed in claim 10, further comprising a dip tube extending through said valve body member to provide communication from the interior of said product container into said chamber, said annular depending flange having slots therein to provide an air return through said valve when said valve stem is depressed.
 12. A valve as claimed in claim 10, further comprising a sac adaptor portion having a product sac thereon extending through said valve body member to provide communication from the interior of product sac into said chamber. 